Organization Development

We often assume that a bigger paycheck is the ultimateretention tool. However, a 2024 SHRM study finds that a toxic workplace is the number one driver of employee departures, accounting for nearly 32.4% of resignations.

As counterintuitive as it may seem at the beginning of the calendar year, I’ve been advising my coaching and organizational clients to take a deliberate pause. The constant noise of perceived or real daily crises in the US often drowns out what truly matters inside of organizations. And, that's my focus today: lasting, memorable leadership is rooted in a steady focus on why and on who.

Unlock the "People Dividend" in your organization. Discover practical HR tools to build a workplace culture based on respect, empathy, and mutual regard to drive ROI.

About a year ago, The People Dividend: Leadership Strategies for Unlocking Employee Potential was launched with a straightforward, yet powerful idea: investing in people is not a cost, but a critical factor in driving business success. A year later, this idea has proven to be more than just a concept. It has become a practice that resonates with leaders who understand that lasting success is built on a foundation of human connection, respect, and purpose.

As Q4 2025 unfolds and 2026 approaches, I find myself reflecting on what it truly means to make a difference at scale, especially for leaders tasked with guiding genuine, lasting transformation. Each year brings renewed urgency, but the arrival of fall is always a reminder that more can be achieved (I attribute this to the start of every fall term in education). More people can be supported, more organizations can thrive, and more purposeful change is within reach. The months ahead represent a remarkable opportunity to increase our impact before another year ends.

Learn the essential leadership skills for designing effective change. Discover how to build strong teams, co-create a shared purpose, and solve big problems systemically.